Lauren floated across her apartment
and pressed the play button on her answering machine as she flopped down on
her bed with a contented sigh. Ash had just dropped her off and told her she
needed some time to get things ready for tonight. So she had a few hours to
kill. She knew she should be working on her thesis or studying. She hadnt
cracked a book all weekend, but some how she couldnt bring herself to
care. She wouldnt have traded one minute with Ash for anything. The answering
machine beeped and began to play.

Beep. "Laur? Where are you?"
Rachels voice demanded from the machine. "Its 8 am and youre
not home? Oooh, where did you spend the night? I know Ash had to carry you home
last night. Details, girl! I need details! Call me ASAP!" She hadnt checked
her machine this morning, so that one was old news. She had talked to Rachel
right before going out with Ash so she could disregard it.

Beep. "Lauren, dear? Its
your mother. I just wanted to know how the show went. Give me a call when you
get the chance. Bye." Oh, mom! You have no idea! Lauren thought. Youre
going to totally flip when I tell you that Ash has agreed to come visit with
me! Youll probably have a coronary on the spot! Not only am I coming
home, but Im bringing a famous musician that Im desperately in love
with. She frowned. Well, maybe well leave that last part out
for now.

Beep. "Laur? Its about
3 oclock. I guess youre not back from your lunch date with Ash.
I know you said youd fill me in at lunch tomorrow, but Im dying
here! So, would you give me a call and release me from my misery? Pretty, pretty
please? Bye." Rachels voice was pleading and Lauren grinned.

Beep. "Miss OShea? You
have been chosen to receive " Lauren reached out and quickly hit the skip
button. She hated telemarketers.

Beep. "Lauren? This is Roger
from the study group. I just wanted to let you know that weve moved our
meet time to 4 pm on Tuesday. If you have any problems, please let me know as
soon as possible." Lauren sighed. Guess I wont be going to that guest
speakers lecture after all, since thats when its scheduled.
Oh well, the group hasnt gotten together in a week and we really need
to touch base.

The machine clicked and Lauren
hit the erase button. She glanced at the clock and decided she might as well
call Rachel. It would help kill the time while waiting for Ash. Her stomach
flip-flopped with anticipation at the thought. She grinned as she picked up
the phone and dialed Rachels number.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Rach. Its me," Lauren
said, flopping back on the bed and staring at the ceiling.

"Laur! Its about time you
called me!" Rachel scolded.

Lauren laughed. "Well, Im
calling you now, so be nice or I wont tell you anything!"

"Okay, Ill be good." Rachel
promised. "Now, where have you been? Have you been out with Ash this whole time?"

"Yeah, we went down to the Market
and had lunch and then did some window shopping."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Why does that surprise
you?"

"Sorry, Laur, but Im having
a hard time seeing tall, dark, and dreamy doing something as normal as window
shopping," Rachel related.

"What I meant was that Ash just
seems so, so I dunno beyond doing something so mundane as shopping.
Shes just seems so sophisticated and trying to picture her tagging along
while you go into a shopping frenzy is enough to blow my little mind," Rachel
explained.

"Are we talking about the same
person here?" Lauren asked puzzled by Rachels description.

"Yeah. Im serious, Laur.
She just seems so stand offish and kind of formal," Rachel said.

Lauren laughed. "Shes not
stand offish, Rach! Shes warm and caring and has a wicked sense of humor."

"If you say so, Laur. Guess you
know her better than I do," Rachel agreed. "Maybe shes different when
you guys are alone. But Im telling you, when shes around other people
she comes across as being very reserved."

Lauren thought about it. "Hmm,
yeah. I guess I can see your point. Shes a really private person, Rach.
I dont think she lets very many people get close enough to see past
her public mask."

"Well, it sounds like youve
managed it pretty well," Rachel said smugly.

Lauren felt her face heat up
and a huge grin split her face. "Yeah, I guess I have."

"So, you going to tell me about
the whole confessing your love thing?"

"Umm sure. What do you
want to know?" Lauren said evasively.

"Oh come on!" Rachel said exasperated.
"Details! Did you tell her first? How did she react? When did she tell you?
And where exactly did you end up sleeping last night? And did you just sleep
or ?"

"Okay, okay," Lauren laughed.
"One question at a time!"

"Fine. Im waiting."

"Lets see " Lauren
pondered the barrage of questions. "I told her first. It was after we went to
lunch on Saturday when she dropped me off to get ready for the show."

"And you didnt tell me
until now?" Rachel shouted in outrage.

"No. I didnt get the chance.
So, chill or I wont say another word," Lauren warned shaking her finger
at the phone.

"Okay, I am cooling my jets as
we speak," Rachel assured her. "I guess that explains why you totally freaked
when you saw Ash with that bad bleach job bitch."

"Yeah. I had just confessed my
love for her and walk out to see her with another woman. I think my brain blew
a circuit. Thank the gods Ash came looking for me to explain!" Lauren said with
conviction.

"Im glad she did too. I
was really not looking forward to having to beat the shit out of her for hurting
you. I would have probably died in the attempt," Rachel joked.

Lauren giggled. "Oh Rach! I have
this picture of you trying to take Ash out and her just standing there giving
you a bored look with one eyebrow raised! Priceless!"

"Gee thanks!" Rachel said with
a touch of sarcasm. "Here I am, trying to defend your honor and all you can
do is think how cute Ash would look as she kills me!"

"Oh is that why I found
you two rolling around on the ground like a couple of dogs in heat?"

"Hey!" Lauren said in outrage.
"We were not!"

"Yes, you were," Rachel assured
her smugly.

"Were not!"

"Uh-huh. You should be happy
I came along when I did or I have a feeling the neighborhood would have got
quite the show."

"Ummm Really?" Lauren asked
with a wince.

"Really. So, you want to tell
me how you went from being furious and ranting about what a bitch Ash was to
practically ripping her clothes off in 20 minutes?"

"She came out to explain about
Judith and " Laurens mind brought up the image of Ashs desolate,
tear streaked face as she pleaded with her. She swallowed the lump in her throat
and said, "Oh Rach! You should have seen her face! She was so sincere and she
was crying."

"Crying?" Rachel interrupted.
"Ash was crying?"

"Yeah," Lauren said nodding.
"Tears were trailing down her face and my heart felt like it was going to break
at the sight! She said she thought she had known what love was and then she
met me and knew she had been wrong. Isnt that romantic?"

"Wow," Rachel breathed in awe.
"That is some line. Do you think shed mind if I borrowed it?"

"Rach! It was not a line!" Lauren
defended angrily.

"Okay, okay," Rachel soothed.
"Gee, were not a little defensive now are we?"

"Sorry, Rach. I cant help
it," Lauren apologized contritely.

"Okay, Im sorry too. Ill
try to not take any more potshots at Ash. I think Id like to keep my head
firmly attached to my shoulders," Rachel vowed.

Lauren giggled and relaxed. She
knew she had overreacted to Rachels comment, but she really couldnt
help it. There was something so vulnerable about Ash that just brought out the
she bear in her. She knew Rachel would laugh her fool head off at that idea,
but it was how she felt. After their conversation this afternoon she had the
distinct impression that Ash had been hurt a lot in the past and thats
why she fought so hard to keep people at a distance. She had the uncontrollable
desire to hold Ash in her arms and shelter her from the cruelties of the world.

"So, where did you sleep last
night?"

Lauren was pulled out of her
musings by Rachels question and a bashful smile crossed her face. "Umm,
I woke up to find myself sprawled across Ash in her bed."

"What? Oooh, tell me more!" Rachel
enthused and Lauren pictured her jumping up and down in excitement.

"Thats about it, really.
I asked her how I ended up there and she explained how I had conked out in the
gallery and she carried me up. She said she didnt have a key to my place
so brought me there. She was really kind of cute about the whole thing. Kind
of bashful. Like she was afraid Id be offended or something."

"And?"

"And nothing." Lauren shrugged.
No way am I going to tell her I woke up wearing one of Ashs t-shirts
and not my dress! "Nothing happened, Rach. We just slept and some time during
the night we both gravitated to the middle of the bed and ended up cuddling."

Lauren sighed as her mood plummeted.
"Tomorrow morning. I guess Ben convinced her that she should wait until morning
since theres a storm coming in and he didnt want her driving in
it."

"Are you going to see her tonight?"

"Is that a rhetorical question
or do you really need me to answer it?"

Rachel chuckled. "Yeah, I guess
that was pretty dumb, huh?"

"Yep. But the answer is yes.
Ash wants me to come over to the boys place for a romantic dinner. Guess
they went out of town to celebrate."

"Oooh, so youll be all
alone with probably the sexiest woman Ive ever seen and she loves you!
So what do you want to happen?"

"What do you mean?" Lauren asked
evasively.

"You know. Shes invited
you over for a romantic dinner, dont you think she has certain expectations
on how the evening is going to end?"

Lauren sat up suddenly at the
idea. "Oh shit! Do you really think so?"

"Dont you?"

"Umm I guess I never really
thought about it," Lauren murmured. Duh, Laur! Ash is a beautiful woman who
is obviously worldly. She could have anyone she wants! Do you really think shes
not going to expect the night to end with you in her bed? Lauren berated
herself. Now that the idea was planted she could admit to herself that she wouldnt
mind ending up there. Butterflies started dancing in her stomach as images of
Ash making love to her flashed across her minds eye.

"So, whatre you going to
do?"

"Im sorry, what?" Lauren
asked even though she had heard the question, but her brain was too busy with
the erotic images of Ash to compute it.

"I said, what are you going to
do?"

"I I dont know. I
guess Ill just do what feels right at the time," Lauren said still slightly
dazed with the idea of making love to Ash.

"Laur, promise me you wont
sleep with her just because youre afraid shell be disappointed if
you dont. Do whats right for you for once, okay? If she really loves
you, shell understand and being willing to wait," Rachel said in a serious
tone.

"Okay, Rach, I promise," Lauren
promised. A wicked grin surfaced as she said, "But I cant promise that
I wont just rip her clothes off and take her!"

Stunned silence.

"Rach? You still there?"

"Um, yeah, Im here," Rachel
said slowly. "Boy, she sure has got your motor running hasnt she? Ive
never heard you talk like that about anyone!"

"Yeah well, I cant seem
to help myself. Shes just so damn sexy, Rach. I find myself finding any
excuse just to be close to her and touch her," Lauren explained with an aggrieved
sigh.

"I can definitely understand
that. She has a body to die for!"

"Yeah, thats true," Lauren
said thinking about Ash. "But to tell you the truth, Rach, its her mind
Im hopelessly in love with. Shes just so complex, it makes my head
spin."

"Okay, Laur, you go ahead and
be in love with her mind, but you sure lucked out to have that mind wrapped
up in such a tasty package!" Rachel teased.

Lauren laughed. "Yeah, it doesnt
suck does it?"

"Nope. Youll have to tell
me if what they say about musicians is true."

"Oh? What do they say?" Lauren
asked with a puzzled frown.

"Oh, you know, that they have
talented hands," Rachel deadpanned.

"Rach!"

"What? I mean think about it,
Laur. She must have some seriously dexterous digits to play classical guitar,
so it just seems natural to assume that those self same hands would be pretty
amazing doing other things," Rachel said suggestively.

"You are so bad!" Lauren scolded.

"True. But you have to admit
the idea has merit."

Lauren giggled. "Okay, Ill
give you that one."

"So, you going to test the hypothesis
and let me know the results of your research?" Rachel teased.

"Hmmm, maybe," Lauren said coyly.

"Okay, I can see Im not
going to get anything more concrete than that," Rachel lamented with and exaggerated
sigh. "Do you know when youll be able to see her again?"

"Never really set a date, Rach.
Mom wants me to come home for Turkey day and I told Ash that, but thats
like a month and a half away! I dont think I can wait that long to see
her again!" Lauren wailed.

"Oh, I dont think shell
wait that long, do you?" Rachel asked with an amused chuckle.

"Gods, I hope not!"

"Well, I guess youll just
have to ask her. I bet shed come for Halloween and thats only a
couple of weeks away. Why dont you invite her?" Rachel offered logically.

"Yeah! Thats a great idea!"
Lauren enthused. "Then I could introduce her to Katie too! Do you really think
shed come if I asked?"

"You cant be serious?"
Rachel asked surprise evident in her voice at her friends insecurity.
"Wild horses probably couldnt keep her away, Laur. I saw the way she looked
at you last night when she carried you upstairs. I think shell agree so
fast it will make your head spin!"

"Thanks, Rach. Youre great
for my ego," Lauren said.

"Yeah well, I do what I can,"
Rach said deprecatingly.

"Well, I should let you go and
go jump in the shower," Lauren said glancing at the clock.

"Okay. Whatre you going
to wear?"

"Is your mind always on clothes?"

"Yes. Sometimes its on
how to get women out of them and sometimes its on how to make sure a woman
keeps them firmly in place."

"Youre hopeless!" Lauren
gasped through her laughter.

"Yep, most assuredly. But really,
what are you going to wear?"

"You have a one track mind,"
Lauren said as she rolled off the bed and strode over to her closet. "I asked
Ash because I wasnt sure how formal this thing was "

"And what did she say?"

"She just shrugged and said she
didnt care what I wore. That Id look beautiful to her even if I
was wearing rags!" Lauren said feeling all warm and fuzzy inside at the memory.

"Wow! She really said that?"
Rachel asked incredulously.

"Yeah," Lauren assured in a soft
voice.

"Then I suggest you go for comfort
and ease of removal. You know, no pesky buttons or hooks. Something you can
get off in a hurry," Rachel advised.

"Geez, Rach! Are we back to that
again?" Lauren laughed, rolling her eyes.

"Sorry, but if a drop dead gorgeous
woman said that to me, I dont think I could contain myself! So, Id
try to dress appropriately just in case the need arose!"

"Okay. I think, Ill agree
on the comfort option, but Im not really sure the easily removable option
will be necessary," Lauren said with amusement.

"Sure, sure, whatever you say,"
Rachel said but her voice lacked conviction.

"Im going to go now, Rach.
Have a good night and Ill see you for lunch tomorrow," Lauren said.

"Okay. Talk to ya then. Bye."

"Bye," Lauren said, clicked off
the phone and tossed it on the bed. She stared into her closet, trying to decide
what to wear. "Well, I guess its time for Ash to see the real me," she
said as she came to a decision. She pulled out a pair of comfortably broken
in jeans, a dove gray t-shirt, and her favorite green and blue plaid flannel
shirt. She laid them out on the bed and scrutinized them for a moment. Finally
she gave a satisfied nod to her selection and headed for the bath to take a
shower.

****************

Ash collapsed gracelessly onto
the couch with a satisfied smile on her face. She had come back to the boys
and had managed to get everything ready for tonight faster than she had expected.
She relaxed and closed her eyes to go through her list once more. Satisfied
that she hadnt forgotten anything, she let her mind drift to Lauren and
an overwhelming surge of love and warmth that always came when she thought of
the young woman who had stolen her heart flowed through her. I cant
believe this is happening. I keep expecting to wake up and find myself back
in my own bed in Montana. I really need to thank Ben for nagging me to come
here for the show. Cause if I had blown him off, like I wanted to, I never
would have met Lauren. And boy! Am I ever glad I did! Shes just so Ash
frowned as she tried to think of some way to describe to her. so, wonderful!
I thought for sure shed find out about my past and not want to have anything
to do with me. I mean, who would want to be with a potentially violent and to
be honest, not very nice person? But it didnt seem to faze her at all!
She shook her head in amazement. She just took it in stride and said
she loved me anyway! She loves me! Ash felt her heart swell with the thought.
And waking up with her in my arms was probably the best feeling in the world!
I dont think Ive ever slept better! She frowned as that thought
penetrated. It was true. She had never slept more than a couple hours at a stretch
since she had left home. But there was something about Lauren that made her
feel safe and she slept like the dead. She hadnt even heard the boys moving
around. Usually any slight sound would wake her, but she had slept soundly until
the sun coming through the blinds had awakened her. I could definitely get
used to that! I wonder if she feels the same way? She thought about it,
going over the events of the last couple of days she had shared with Lauren
and all the things that they had talked about. I think I think maybe
she does! Boy, that would be great! To wake up every morning to be greeted by
those beautiful green eyes. She frowned as she realized that scenario wouldnt
be happening any time soon. She was leaving in the morning and Lauren would
be going back to her normal life. Insecurity shot through her. What if she
decides she must have been out of her mind to think she was in love with me?
What then? Ash fought down the sudden wave of panic. No! No, you know
shes not like that. She cares about you, you blockhead. Youll just
have to make sure she has no reason to have second thoughts. Ash felt her
equilibrium begin to right itself.

Ash opened her eyes at the sound
of a phone ringing. She turned her head to look at the phone on the kitchen
counter and frowned when she heard the ring again and realized it wasnt
coming from it. Her cell phone suddenly came to mind and she shot up and dashed
down the hall to the guest bedroom. She rounded the corner into the guest bedroom
and slammed her shin into the baseboard of the bed and swore as she dove for
her duffle and her ringing phone.

"Gray," she said breathlessly,
answering the phone on the fourth ring.

"Ash? You okay? You sound out
of breath?"

Ash cradled the phone to her
ear and sat on the bed to rub her aching shin. "Yeah, Lu, Im fine. I was
just in the other room when the phone rang."

"You didnt have it with
you?" Lu asked with disbelief evident in her voice.

"No, I didnt," Ash said
in a tone of voice that she hoped would end that line of questioning.

"Okay. Well, the reason Im
calling is I was wondering when you were going to be here tomorrow?"

"Any specific reason why?"

"I got a tip on Sullivan. Seems
he likes to frequent a certain titty bar on Monday nights, because drinks are
half price. Cheap bastard. I was thinking it would be a good time to try and
nab him."

"Oh. Well, I was planning on
being there by noon or so," Ash answered as her mind started formulating plans
on how to capture Sullivan.

"Sounds good. Ill be expecting
you then," Lu said and then added. "So howd the show go? Was Judith there?"

Ash sighed and closed her eyes.
"A lot has happened, Lu. More than I really have time to go into right now."
She thought about telling Lu about Lauren. She so much wanted to share her joy
with everyone, but was still feeling wary after her bout of insecurity.

"Okay. Maybe you can fill me
in when you get here," Lu said.

"Sure, Lu. Ill call when
I hit town," Ash said opening her eyes and rising from the bed.

"Sounds good. Later."

"Bye." Ash closed the phone and
looked at it with a frown. Hearing Lus surprise at her admission of not
having it with her, made her realize that the damn thing had practically become
a part of her over the years when she had been a bounty hunter and it was never
out of arms reach. You never knew when a tip was going to come in and
so she had the thing with her 24-7. When she had gone back to Montana she had
never bothered to break the habit of carrying it with her. She hadnt even
realized she didnt have it with her until she heard it ringing from the
other room. She tried to remember when she had taken it off and not bothered
to put it back on, but the memory eluded her. She realized that her mind hadnt
been on anything but Lauren since she met her and the thought unnerved her.
Her ability to stay focused and on top of things at all times had been a point
of pride to her and the idea that an admittedly alluring woman had made her
basically lose all rational thought made her shake her head in self disgust.

"You need to step back and have
a reality check, Gray," she admonished herself as she tossed the phone back
into her duffle. "Youre going to be in Spokane tomorrow walking into a
potentially lethal situation and you cant afford to be mooning over some
skirt while you do it!" She felt a moment of shame for thinking of Lauren in
those terms, but then brushed it aside. She stood, staring at nothing as her
mind worked through the conflicting emotions. She sighed, "You need to get your
priorities in order. You know very well that Lauren means more to you than just
being some skirt to kill time with. Forget about Sullivan and Spokane until
tomorrow. Tonight, just focus on having a good time with Lauren, because you
dont know how long its going to be until you can see her again."

She looked at her watch and
saw that it was almost 7. The food should be here any minute. As soon as
it arrives, I can go get Lauren. The thought restored her buoyant mood and
with a spring to her step she walked back to the living room to sit on the couch
and wait for the delivery of the dinner she had ordered.

***************

Lauren swung the door open and
a welcoming smile lit up her face as Ash came into view. "Hey, stranger, long
time no see."

"Hi," Ash grinned as stepped
forward and pulled Lauren into her arms needing the reassurance of the reality
of Laurens love.

Lauren eagerly returned the embrace
and felt Ash shiver against her. "Hey, you okay?" she asked, tilting her head
up so she could see Ashs face.

"Im fine," Ash assured
as she gave Lauren a soft, sweet kiss. "Now." She studied Laurens loving
face and the feel of her body against hers. Wanting to fix it in her mind, so
while she was gone she could pull the memory out and remember how glorious it
felt to be loved by her.

Lauren gave her an endearing
smile as she played with Ashs silken hair. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah," Ash said softly as she
rubbed Laurens back. "We better get going or the food is going to get
cold."

"Well, we cant have that,"
Lauren laughed lightly. She knew something was bothering Ash. She just hoped
she could get her to tell her before the night was through.

Ash stepped back bringing Lauren
with her, then reached around her and closed the apartment door. She wrapped
Laurens arm around hers and giving her a crooked grin, escorted her down
the hall.

"I hope you like Italian," Ash
said as she opened the door to the boys apartment and ushered Lauren in.

"One of my favorites," Lauren
said as she stepped into the room and gasped. The entire room was lit up with
flickering candlelight from dozens of candles placed throughout the room. The
round coffee table was draped with a lace tablecloth and was situated in front
of a cheery fire with throw pillows placed to sit on. A bottle of champagne
sat chilling in a bucket of ice to one side and a dozen white roses made up
the centerpiece. Soft romantic music played softly in the background. She felt
her eyes well up with tears as she turned to look at Ash, who gave her a bashful
smile and rocked back on her heels. "Oh my god!" she whispered in a stunned
voice.

"Do you like it?" Ash asked hesitantly
as she came over and gently took Laurens hands in hers.

"Like it? I love it!" Lauren
whispered as she felt the tears begin to fall. "No one has ever done anything
remotely like this for me."

Ash reached up and tenderly wiped
Laurens tears away. "Theyre loss. You deserve this, Lauren, and
so much more."

Lauren felt like she was going
to pass out from sheer happiness. She reached up and gently cupped Ashs
face in her hands, staring intently into the bluest eyes she had ever seen and
letting herself fall into their welcoming depths. She rose up and gently pressed
her lips to Ashs soft mouth and a shiver of delight shot through her at
the contact. "You are the most romantic, loving woman I have ever known, Ashlin
Gray. How did I get so lucky as to catch your eye?"

"Im the lucky one, Lauren,"
Ash vowed in a deep, emotional tone as she gazed into forest green eyes seeing
the promise of love and comfort in their depths. "We should eat before the food
gets cold."

"Hmmm?" Lauren asked dreamily
still lost in the allure of Ashs eyes.

Ash chuckled and led her towards
the table. "I said, I think we should eat."

"Okay," Lauren said agreeably
and took her seat.

Ash sat down next to her and
pulling out the bottle of champagne, deftly filled their glasses. She set the
bottle back into the ice bucket and raised her glass. "A toast," she said. Lauren
picked up her glass and looked at her expectantly. "To chance meetings and hopes
for the future."

"I ordered chicken Alfredo and
veal Parmesan. Which would you prefer?" Ash asked lifting the lids off of the
two entrees and setting the lids aside.

"Hmm, how about we split them?"
Lauren offered. "They both smell delicious."

"Okay," Ash agreed with a grin.
She fixed the plates and with a flourish set Laurens before her.

"Thank you, maam," Lauren
said giving her a playful smile.

"Your most welcome," Ash said
with an officious nod.

Ash watched Lauren out of the
corner of her eye as she picked up her fork and took the first bite. Laurens
eyes closed and she moaned with pleasure. "I take it the food meets with your
approval?" Ash teased as she sampled the fare. It was good and she was pleased.

"This is divine! Wherever did
you get it?" Lauren enthused as she attacked her plate with relish.

"Cant give away all my
secrets now can I?" Ash said with a crooked smile. "How am I going to tempt
you to have dinner with me again if I tell you where to get the food on your
own?"

Lauren glanced up from her plate
and gave Ash an impish grin. "Trust me, Ash. Its not the food that will
keep me coming back for more."

"Oh."

Lauren saw the heat rise on Ashs
face before she quickly bent her head and diligently began to eat. "I didnt
mean to embarrass you, Ash."

Ash peaked up at her through
her bangs. "Thats okay, Lauren. I dont mind," she said with a tiny
shrug. And realized that she meant it. "Its nice to have someone around
who feels comfortable enough around me to tease me. I havent had that
in a long time."

Lauren smiled. "Well, I plan
on being around for a long time, so I guess you better prepare yourself for
some serious teasing!"

Ash grinned. "Good! Id
like that."

A companionable silence fell
as they took the edge off their hunger by devouring the delicious dinner. Lauren
marveled at Ashs precise and economic movements as she ate. The graceful
motion of Ashs hands mesmerized her as they manipulated her utensils.
Rachels comment about talented hands floated to the surface and she quickly
averted her eyes.

Ash noted Laurens fascination
with her hands and then the blush as her eyes suddenly dropped to study her
plate intently. Hmmm, wonder what she was thinking to cause that blush? "You
know, youre beautiful when you blush," Ash remarked in a calm voice.

"Thank you," Lauren said feeling
the heat rise once again under Ashs admiring regard. She needed to get
the attention off of herself, so thinking quickly she asked the first question
to pop into her head. "Whats your middle name?"

Ash eyebrow rose at the sudden
change in topic but answered, "Jane. Yours?"

"Elizabeth," Lauren said as she
relaxed now that the conversation had turned to more mundane topics.

"Can I ask you a personal question?"
Lauren asked as she wiped her mouth.

"Sure."

"Is Ashlin a family name or something?
Ive never heard it before," Lauren said as she set her elbows on the table
and rested her chin in her cupped hands.

"You could say that. My family
is rather unique in the way it names its children. All our first names are the
last names of ancestors," Ash explained as she began stacking the dishes.

"Oh? So what ancestor were you
named after?" Lauren asked, truly fascinated.

"My maternal grandmothers
maiden name," Ash answered as she gathered the dishes and stood. "Im going
to take these into the kitchen. Be right back."

"Okay," Lauren said with a nod.
Ash strode away towards the kitchen and Lauren had the distinct impression that
Ash was uncomfortable discussing her family. Maybe she has bad memories too.
That would explain why she left home when she was 17. So, strike family from
the small talk category.

Ash returned and lowered herself
to sit across from Lauren with the table acting as a barrier between them. She
was suddenly nervous and was hoping Lauren wouldnt notice her unease.

"So, what about you? Is Lauren
a family name?" asked Ash as she put her arms out behind her and leaned back.

Lauren felt her mouth go dry
as Ashs t-shirt tightened across her full breasts when she leaned back.
The flickering light from the fireplace played across her striking features
and Lauren felt her body begin to tingle at the sight. "No, actually, I was
named after my mothers best friend in med school," she answered absently.

"Oh? Your moms a doctor?"
Ash asked unaware of the effect she was having on Lauren as she gazed into the
fire.

"No, shes a veterinarian.
So is my brother, Darby. He finished school last year and joined mom in her
practice," Lauren continued. She had no idea what she was saying, so caught
up in the spell Ashs beauty had cast on her and the effects it was causing
in her body.

"That must be an interesting
job. And your sister, Katie, right?" Lauren murmured an affirmative. "What does
she do?"

"Shes a senior in high
school. Shell graduate in the spring," Lauren replied. She couldnt
resist the need to touch Ash any longer and slowly began to crawl towards her.

"Oh," Ash said and turned her
attention from the fire to ask another question, but her thought was completely
derailed by the sight of Lauren sensuously crawling towards her with desire
written across her expressive face. Her green eyes met hers with stunning intensity
and Ash felt her knees go weak and her heart speed up. She couldnt look
away as Lauren reached her and straddled her hips.

"Do you have any idea how crazy
youre making me?" Lauren demanded quietly in a voice rough with desire
as she brought her arms up and wrapped them around Ashs neck. She began
running her hands through Ashs thick hair as she stared into startled
blue eyes.

"I I umm " Ash
stuttered, trying desperately to come up with an answer, but the feel of Laurens
hands teasing her hair and her closeness was making her dizzy and unable to
think.

"Kiss me, Ash," Lauren pleaded
half afraid Ash would push her away.

The request sent a spark to ignite
the slumbering fire of Ashs desire. She brought her arms up and captured
Laurens lips with hers as she wrapped her in an impassioned embrace and
slowly lowered them to the floor. Her senses were whirling at the feel of Laurens
weight resting all along her length and the fury of her kiss. Her hands began
to explore Laurens luscious curves of their own accord.

Lauren felt like her body was
on fire and each feather light touch of Ashs hands was stoking the fire
higher and higher. She moaned as her tongue explored Ashs sweet mouth.
Her heart was racing out of control as she guided her hands between them and
lowered them to cup Ashs full breasts.

Ash froze when Laurens
hands touched her. Panic replaced passion and she grabbed Lauren by the shoulders
and gently pushed her back. Laurens eyes popped open and gave her a puzzled
look.

"I Im sorry," Ash
whispered softly not able to meet confused green eyes, as she disentangled herself
from Lauren and quickly stood. She turned her back and ran her hands through
her hair in frustration. She placed her hands on the mantle of the fireplace
and bowed her head, struggling to sort out the myriad of emotions flooding her
senses.

Lauren sat there dumbfounded
by Ashs sudden withdrawal. She studied the broad back and bowed head of
the woman she desperately wanted to make love to. Why had Ash suddenly withdrawn?
She analyzed the last few moments and her eyes widened. She freaked when
I touched her breasts! But why? Her kiss was passionate and she seemed willing.
So why did she panic when I touched her? Lauren quietly rose to her feet
and came to stand behind Ash. She was afraid to touch her. Afraid Ash would
bolt if she did. "Ash? Honey, whats wrong?" she asked quietly.

Ash shook her head. "Im
sorry, Lauren. Its not you, its ." her voice trailed off and
she rested her head on the mantle and closed her eyes. How do I explain to
her that Im scared out of my mind? That her touch makes me feel things
I never have before? That I desperately want her to touch me, but Im afraid
Ill never get enough?

Lauren stepped closer and reaching
out with a tentative hand began to rub Ashs lower back in a soothing,
circular motion. "Ash, its okay. Im sorry I frightened you," Lauren
said softly.

Ash turned her head and gazed
into Laurens concerned face and green eyes that had regret written in
them. Ash felt a lump rise in her throat and swallowed. She turned and swiftly
drew Lauren into an embrace.

"Im sorry, Lauren," she
murmured into her sweet smelling hair. "I was no am frightened.
You make me feel things I never have before and I panicked. Im sorry."

"Its okay, Ash. I understand,"
Lauren soothed as she held Ash close and listened as Ashs heartbeat began
to settle into a more normal rhythm. "Ive never felt this way before either.
I just couldnt stop myself from wanting to touch you. To express to you
how much I love you through my touch. Im sorry I rushed you."

Ash gently raised Laurens
head until their eyes met. "Can we slow down just a little?" Lauren smiled in
agreement. "Believe me, Lauren, I want you touch me and oh, how I want to touch
you! But I need some time to get used to the idea."

"Thats fine, Ash," Lauren
said. "Well take it at your pace, okay? You just lead the way and Ill
happily follow."

"Thanks, Lauren," Ash said with
relief as she gave her a quick kiss. "Thank you for understanding."

"Your welcome," Lauren said as
she took Ashs hands in hers and gently guided her to the couch. She sat
and patted the seat next to her in invitation. Ash grinned and sat down next
her, turning so she faced her. "Can I ask you something really personal?"

Ash nodded. "Sure. I think weve
reached the point where youre entitled to ask whatever you want," Ash
said with a wry grin.

Lauren chuckled. "Okay." She
thought about it a moment. She couldnt think of a subtle way to ask, so
decided blunt was best. "Have you had very many lovers?"

Ashs eyebrow went up. "No.
That obvious, huh?"

"Youre kidding right?"
Lauren said in disbelief. "If I had to go on just the way you kiss, Id
say you were an expert." Ash blushed and Lauren gave her hand a squeeze. "No,
the reason I thought you might be inexperienced is because of the way
you panicked."

"What?" Lauren gasped. This incredibly
desirable and beautiful woman was telling her she was a virgin? No way!

Ash shifted uncomfortably and
stared down at their linked hands. "Umm, Ive never been with anyone,"
she confessed in a small, quiet voice.

Lauren stared at her as the meaning
of her words slowly sank in. "What about Judith? I thought you said you had
a relationship with her?"

Ash shook her head vigorously
in denial. "I did have a relationship with her. I just never slept with her."

"Oh," Lauren said flabbergasted
by the reality of Ash being a virgin. "So theres been no one? Never?"
she asked. She knew she was repeating herself, but she just couldnt wrap
her mind around the idea.

"No. No one. Never." Ash confirmed
as she ran a hand through her hair and sighed. "I guess you werent expecting
this, huh?"

"No."

"Do you still want to be with
me?" Ash asked tentatively.

Laurens eyes widened. "Oh,
Ash! Of course, I do!" she quickly reassured her and saw Ashs shoulders
relax. "Ash, honey, look at me." Ash peaked up at her through her bangs and
Lauren felt her heart constrict at the look of naked vulnerability and hope
written across that beautiful face. "I love you, Ash. Nothing is going to change
that. Certainly not you being a virgin! Of course the reverse could be true."

"What do you mean?" Ash asked.

Lauren shrugged sheepishly. "Maybe
you dont want to be with someone whos been around the block a couple
of times."

Ash frowned at the statement,
trying to discern what Lauren meant. The light went on and she chuckled. "Well,
I figure one of us should know what the hell theyre doing! So, I guess
its a good thing you do, because I sure as hell dont!"

Laurens face lit up and
she let out a joyous laugh. "You, my dear, are truly priceless."

Lauren slapped her playfully
on the thigh. "Okay, smarty pants! What do you want to do?"

Ash gave it considerable thought.
She leaned back on the couch and opened her arms invitingly to Lauren. Lauren
gave her a delighted smile and quickly curled up in Ashs arms, tucking
her head under Ashs chin. "I definitely want to do this," Ash said hugging
Lauren for emphasis. "And I definitely want to kiss you again."

"Mmm, I think that can be arranged,"
Lauren murmured as she rested her head on Ashs breast listening to the
comforting beat of her heart.

"Id really like to "

"Youd really like to what,
Ash?" Lauren gently prompted when she heard her hesitate. "You can tell me anything,
honey. Im not going to judge you or make you feel bad about voicing what
you want," Lauren reassured her softly.

"Id really like for you
to spend the night with me," Ash said quietly. "I want to wake up with you in
my arms, Lauren."

Lauren swallowed the lump in
her throat caused by Ashs confession. She composed herself and tilted
her head up to meet Ashs eye pouring every ounce of love she could into
her gaze. "I would like that too, Ash. Waking up in your arms was probably the
most wonderful experience Ive ever had and I wouldnt mind repeating
it as often as possible."

Ash bent her head and kissed
her. Unable to express what she was feeling in words. Hoping Lauren could sense
her absolute joy and love through her touch. She leaned back and asked, "Dance
with me?"

Lauren nodded and Ash rose from
the couch and walked over to the stereo. She spun the cd changer to the one
she wanted and turning, beckoned to Lauren with a shy smile. Lauren grinned
and walked over to her. Ash pulled her into her arms as the song began.

Martina McBrides "I Love
You" flowed from the speakers as Ash led Lauren across the floor. Lauren felt
her heart swell at the selection as Ash held her close and their bodies molded
together to move as one. Lauren was so caught up in sheer bliss that it took
her a moment to realize that Ash was singing along to the song. Her voice was
deep and rich and flowed over Lauren like a caress. She tilted her head to look
up into Ashs face and gasped as she found herself drowning in deep blue
eyes that poured every nuance of the song directly into her soul.

The song came to an end and Ash
fell silent gazing into moist green eyes.

"You never told me you could
sing," Lauren whispered.

"I dont very often, but
I couldnt think of any other way to tell you how much you mean to me,"
Ash replied quietly.

The cd player whirled and Garth
Brooks "Shameless" came on. Lauren gave her an inquiring look and Ash grinned
sheepishly.

"Well, its true. I am shameless
when it comes to loving you," Ash said as she dipped Lauren dramatically.

Lauren laughed at Ashs
antics. Ash brought her out of the dip and leaned down to brush her lips to
hers before sending her out in a spin. Lauren beamed happily and succumbed to
the joy of dancing with someone who was so in synch with her it was almost like
dancing with herself. Or the other half of my soul. Lauren smiled even
wider if that was possible at the thought.

They danced through 5 more songs
before mutually consenting to take a break. Ash went into the kitchen to scavenge
for drinks and Lauren walked over to look out the French doors. Rain was coming
down in sheets and Lauren shivered.

"You cold?"

"Hmm?" Lauren said as she turned
her head to meet Ashs eye. "No, I was just looking out at the rain and
was thinking how glad I am that youre not out driving in it."

Ash peered out the doors at the
rain and nodded in agreement. "Guess Ben was right. Im glad he talked
me into staying over."

"Mmmm, no other reason?" Lauren
asked seductively as she stepped into Ashs arms and looked up at her in
question.

Ash pulled her close and said,
"Oh, youre more than enough reason."

"You make me feel so special,"
Lauren sighed.

"You are special," Ash said as
she tenderly caressed Laurens cheek with her sensitive fingers.

Lauren bit back a flippant remark
when she saw the sincerity reflected in Ashs eyes. "Thank you," she said
quietly.

Ash nodded and gave her a quick
hug before guiding her over to the table and pulling out a chair for her. Lauren
sank into it and accepted the glass of water Ash offered. "Ash?"

"Hmm?" Ash asked as she took
her seat.

"Do you have any plans for Halloween?"

"No, why?"

"Well, I was hoping you might
consider coming here and celebrating it with me," Lauren said hopefully.

"Nothing would please me more,"
Ash stated as she brought Laurens hand up and kissed it.

"My sister Katie will be here
and Id really like you to meet her," Lauren said happily.

"That would be " Ash was
interrupted by the phone ringing. She glared over her shoulder at it in irritation.
"Now who the hell could that be?" she growled as she rose from her seat and
stalked over to the phone, not even considering that she could let the machine
get it.

She yanked it off the wall in
the middle of the second ring and growled, "Gray-Richards residence."

"Hello, darling. Are you alone?"

Ash stiffened at the sound of
Judiths voice. Rage began to rise and color her vision as she said in
a low, menacing voice, "No, Im not alone. How did you get this number?"

Lauren saw Ashs back stiffen
and rose from her chair. She watched Ashs profile and saw the animation
drain from her chiseled features as her public mask slipped down and her face
went blank. Lauren began walking towards her at the sight. She suddenly wanted
to pull Ash into her arms and offer what comfort she could. Ashs cold
tone when she asked how the person had got the number, changed the want to need
and she hurried over to Ash and slipped her arms around her waist.

Judith let out a small laugh.
"Why, darling, I just let my fingers do the walking. Now please tell me your
not dallying with that scrawny little redhead you made such a fool of yourself
over at the gala last night? You need a real woman to fulfill your needs, darling.
Someone who can keep up with you and match your passion." Judith purred in a
low, seductive voice.

Ash felt Lauren wrap her arms
around her and the rage began to fade as Laurens comforting presence loosened
its hold. She rested her free hand on top of Laurens and gave them a gentle
squeeze in gratitude as she returned her attention to the phone. "Its
none of your business who I spend my time with and for your information you
were never woman enough for me," she stated coldly.

Judith gasped but quickly rallied.
"Oh, now I know you dont really mean that, darling. I know how much you
want me. I could see it in yours eyes last night. Why dont you send the
little girl home and Ill come over and show you what a real woman can
do for you."

"Youre sick, Judith," she
snarled and felt Laurens hold tighten at the name. She reached around
with her free hand and pulled Lauren around her body and hugged her close. "You
have nothing I want. I have everything I need right here. Dont call me
again. Good-bye." She slammed the receiver back into the base without waiting
for a reply. She bowed her head and inhaled the sweet scent of Lauren and let
her comforting presence calm her.

Lauren held Ash close as she
listened to Ashs heartbeat begin to slow and her body begin to relax in
her embrace. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

"Im fine," Ash murmured
tiredly into Laurens silken hair.

"Are you ready to call it a night?"
Lauren asked.

Ashs eyes popped open in
panic. "Are you leaving?"

"What?" Lauren looked up and
saw Ashs fear. "No, honey, Im not going anywhere. I just thought
maybe we should go to bed," she explained rubbing Ashs back soothingly.

"Oh," Ash said with relief.

"Come on. Lets blow out
all these candles so we dont have to worry about the building burning
down while were asleep," Lauren said as she stepped back and walked to
the nearest group of candles and began blowing them out.

"Good idea," Ash agreed with
a grin and began blowing out the candles in the living room.

When all the candles were extinguished,
Ash offered her hand to Lauren by the light of the fire in the fireplace. The
firelight played across Laurens soft features and Ashs heart sped
up at the simple beauty of the woman who loved her. "Miss OShea?"

Lauren gave her a tender smile
as she took her strong hand in hers. "Lead the way, Miss Gray. Ill follow,"
she said meaning more than what the words conveyed.

Ash ducked her head and gave
her a shy grin as she led her down the hall and into the guest bedroom. She
turned to flip on the light, but Laurens hand on hers stopped her. She
gave her a questioning look, the streetlights outside giving her just enough
light to see Lauren shake her head.

"Leave them off," Lauren whispered
as she pulled Ash further into the bedroom and pushed the door closed.

"Okay," Ash said as she followed
Lauren willingly to the foot of the bed where she stopped.

Lauren reached out and gently
took Ashs hands in hers and brought them to rest gently on her breasts.
Ashs heart skipped a beat as her hands softly cupped Laurens warm,
soft breasts. "Lauren, I "

"Ssh," Lauren shushed stepping
forward and resting her hand lightly over Ashs mouth. "I want you touch
me, Ash. I promise not to rush you into anything, honey, but I think you need
to relax a little and listen to your heart instead of your head."

Ash swallowed and nodded. "Okay.
Ill try," she said nervously as she took a deep calming breath.

"Good. Now can I touch you?"
Lauren asked.

Ash nodded and almost jumped
when Laurens hands slid under her t-shirt and ran up her back in a feather
light caress causing her whole body to begin tingling. Her hands began to gently
knead Laurens breasts as she lowered her head to rest on Laurens
shoulder.

"Is this okay?" Lauren asked
softly.

"Buh better than okay,"
Ash moaned as she turned her head to nuzzle Laurens neck.

Lauren let her head fall back
to give Ash better access as she raked her nails lightly over the sleek muscles
of Ashs back. Ashs curious exploration was making her body burn
with desire. Ash softly nipped and kissed her neck as her hands slid down Laurens
stomach and circling around her waist found the edge of her t-shirt and slid
her hands under it to run up her bare back. Lauren bit back a groan at the sensation
of Ashs warm hands caressing her bare skin as she pressed her body closer
to Ash. She didnt think she could take much more of this delicious torture
before forgetting her promise and throwing Ash down on the bed and ravishing
her.

Ash felt Laurens shiver
under her touch and paused in mid motion to ask in a throaty voice, "Are you
okay?"

"Gods, yes!" Lauren sighed nodding
her head, but when Ashs caresses changed from seductive to soothing she
lifted her head and rested it lightly against Ashs warm chest. She struggled
to get her raging hormones under control before tilting her head up to meet
unsure blue eyes alight with dampened passion. She gave her a warm smile and
gently rubbed her back reassuringly. "Are you sure youve never done this
before?" she asked in a breathless voice.

"Umm, okay," Ash whispered as
she slowly lifted Laurens shirt. Lauren raised her arms above her head
as Ash continued to lift her shirt. Ashs stomach was doing flip-flops
as the shirt rose and exposed more and more of Lauren to her ravenous eye. She
gathered the shirt in her hands and guided it up Laurens outstretched
arms and finally off. She stepped back with the shirt dangling forgotten in
her right hand as her eyes gazed upon Laurens bare torso for the first
time. Lauren was absolutely stunning. The dim light from the window outlined
the gentle curve of her shoulders, the fullness of her breasts still tantalizing
encased in a lace bra, and accented the cut of muscle in her smooth abdomen.

Ash sucked in a lungful of air
and let it out explosively. She couldnt keep her eyes from roaming over
Laurens exquisite form. "You are absolutely perfect," she whispered in
a slightly dazed voice.

"Thank you," Lauren said as she
calmly reached out and began lifting Ashs shirt. Ashs arms went
up automatically and Lauren realized with the shirt halfway up that there was
no way she would be able to pull Ashs shirt over her head. She giggled.

Ash gave her a puzzled look.
"What?"

"Seems we have a problem," Lauren
commented.

"Oh?"

"Yes, you, my dear, are a giant
and I am, shall we say, vertically challenged," she explained as she turned
Ash and gently pushed her down to sit on the end of the bed. "Much better."

Ash chuckled. "You are quite
the problem solver, sweetheart."

"Mmmm, I can be with the right
incentive," Lauren replied as she pulled Ashs shirt off and tossed it
over her shoulder. Her eyes feasted on the delicious expanse of Ashs sleek
muscular torso. Her hungry eyes traveled from broad muscular shoulders to the
black sports bra that affectively hid its treasure. Down a firm, flat stomach
that was marred only by a long scar that began at her diaphragm and continued
down to disappear under the waistband of Ashs jeans. She frowned at the
scar and reached out to gently trace her finger down its length. Ashs
skin quivered under her touch, but she didnt pull away. "What happened?"
Lauren asked in a voice that trembled slightly.

"I got hurt and they had to open
me up to fix some damage," Ash said matter-of-factly looking down to watch Laurens
small, gentle hand touch her scar in a sympathetic caress.

"Was it bad?" Lauren asked letting
her hand come to rest and looking up to meet Ashs gaze.

Lauren wrinkled her nose and
smiled. "Well, Im glad youre okay. Am I going to find many more
war wounds?" she teased in a half serious voice as she began to inspect Ash
playfully.

Ash squirmed when Lauren hit
a ticklish spot. "Yeah, a few. Hope you dont mind scars, because I have
quite a few."

"Mmm, scars are sexy," Lauren
stated as she ran her hands down Ashs muscular thighs and knelt down to
grab Ashs booted right foot. "But not sexy enough that I want you to go
out and collect anymore, alright?"

"Ill try not to," Ash replied
in an amused voice as she watched Lauren pull off her boots. Lauren set the
boots aside and reached her hands up Ashs right pant leg to grip the top
of her sock and slowly pull it off. Ash felt her heart jump at the erotic signals
that flooded her brain from the light touch of Laurens hands. Lauren removed
her other sock in the same manner and then placed a gently kiss on Ashs
instep. The soft kiss sent an electrical jolt through Ash and she jumped.

Lauren gave her an inquiring
look. "Yes?" she asked softly as she kneaded Ashs foot.

"I never knew taking of my boots
could be so arousing," Ash gasped.

Lauren gave her a wry smile and
after placing one more quick kiss on Ashs foot, released it and stood.
"Ill take that as a compliment."

"You should," Ash confirmed nodding.

Lauren unbuttoned her jeans and
paused to meet Ashs eye. Confirming that she had Ashs undivided
attention she slowly shimmied out of her jeans to stand before her in nothing
but high cut bikini briefs and her bra.

Ash licked her lips at the sight.
She felt her hands rise of their own volition to touch Laurens exposed
stomach. Lauren stepped forward bringing Ashs trembling hands into contact
with her warm skin. Ash fanned her hands across Laurens stomach feeling
the play of muscle under silken skin.

Lauren rested her forearms lightly
on Ashs shoulders giving her curious partner full access to her body.
She watched the play of emotions flicker across Ash face. They ran the gambit
from nervous and tentative to wonder and curiosity in the span of a few minutes.
Ashs exploration became bolder as she brought her hands up to lightly
brush Laurens nipples causing them to harden in reaction. Lauren gasped
and leaned into the touch.

Ashs breath was coming
fast as she watched Laurens pleasure at her touch. Lauren bowed her head
to rest her forehead on hers as she arched her back into Ashs curious
touch. Ash trailed her hands up Laurens breast and across her shoulders
in a feather light touch. Her hands slid down Laurens back and she pulled
her gently towards her. Laurens lips found hers and kissed her hungrily.
Ash slowly sank back on the bed pulling Lauren down to rest on top of her. Her
senses were on overload as she sucked and nipped Laurens sweet mouth.
Her body was on fire and she felt like she would spontaneously combust at any
moment from the heavenly feel of Laurens sweet body under her questing
hands. She couldnt touch or taste Lauren enough.

Lauren thought shed go
mad from the waves of pleasure that were rocketing through her body. She slid
her hands down between their bodies and unbuttoned Ashs jeans and began
to work them down her hips. She rained gently quick kisses on Ashs face
and worked her way across her jaw and down her neck. Ashs hands gripped
her waist tightly as a moan escaped her lips. Lauren continued her trail of
kisses across Ashs throat and down between the valley of her breasts as
her hands slowly slid Ashs jeans down her muscular thighs. She sat back
resting her weight across Ashs hips and looked up to see Ash watching
her with an unreadable expression.

"Honey?" Lauren asked concerned.
She reached out and gently laid her hand on Ashs cheek. "Are you okay?"

Ash continued to stare at her
for a few moments and then blinked. "Emotional overload," she croaked trying
to give Lauren a reassuring smile, but knowing she failed when Lauren frowned.
"Hey, its okay. I just I dunno blew a circuit or something."

"Okay," Lauren said decisively
as she scooted down Ashs long frame and swiftly removed Ashs jeans
with one quick yank. Ash blinked at her in surprise and Lauren chuckled. "Why
dont you find us some t-shirts to put on? Im going to go use the
little girls room. Ill be right back."

"Okay," Ash said as she sat up
and followed Laurens retreating form with an appreciative eye. Lauren
disappeared through the door and Ash flopped back on the bed grabbing her head.
You are an idiot! she admonished herself. That woman is absolutely
divine and wants you! She yanked her hair in frustration. You better
figure out how to overcome your fear before she loses patience with you and
finds someone else! She sighed heavily and rolled off the bed. She squatted
down and rummaged through her duffle. Finding what she wanted, she stood and
yanked off her bra and threw it with force back into the bag at her feet. How
long will Lauren be willing to stand the frustration? I know Im beyond
turned on right now, so I have a pretty good idea how she must be feeling! She
slipped out of her boxers and pulled on a fresh pair. Damn! But I want to
do this! Why am I so afraid to just let go? She grabbed her tank top and
pulled it over her head.

"Hey, you got something for me
to wear?" Lauren asked softly as she brought her arms around Ashs waist
and hugged her.

Ash leaned into the hug and pulled
Laurens arms more securely around her. "Sure."

Lauren kissed Ash lightly between
the shoulder blades and smiled at the shudder that coursed through Ashs
body. She stepped around Ash and gave her an inquiring look. "What have you
got for me?" Ash held up a black t-shirt with what looked like a Harley Davidson
logo in the dim light on the front. "Perfect," Lauren stated and unceremoniously
unhooked her bra and drew it off. She reached for the t-shirt and saw the slack-jawed
stare pasted across Ashs face. "Thanks," she winked taking the shirt from
Ashs loose grip and pulling it over her head.

Ash blinked trying to banish
the memory of Laurens succulent breasts. They were perfectly round and
full with small pink nipples that had hardened when the cool air of the room
had hit them. Her creamy skin looked so soft and inviting, that she had a flash
of longing to run her hands and lips over every square inch of its delicate
surface. She blinked again and forced her mind to focus on Laurens patiently
waiting face. She felt the heat rise to her face and she ducked her head to
hide the blush from Laurens knowing green eyes.

"Come on, love. Time for bed,"
Lauren said softly as she took Ashs hand in hers and guided her to the
bed. She leaned down and pulled back the covers. She gently pushed down on Ashs
shoulders until she sat and swung her legs under the blankets. Lauren pulled
the covers up and bent down to place a tender kiss on Ashs brow. Ashs
eyes followed her as she came around the other side of the bed and climbed in.

Ash turned her head on her pillow
and watched as Lauren settled down on her side of the bed. She frowned at the
vast distance between them. "Lauren?"

"Yes, honey?" Lauren asked as
she rolled over on her side to look at her.

Ash nodded shyly as she reached
out with her left arm and tugged on the front of Laurens shirt.

Lauren grinned and quickly scooted
over to cuddle up against the warm body of Ash. She rested her head just above
Ashs breast and tucked her head under her chin. "Better?" she sighed in
contentment as she wrapped her arm around Ashs waist and gave her a hearty
squeeze.

"Much," Ash said as she ran her
left hand up and down Laurens back in a soothing rhythm. "Sweet dreams,
love."

"Mmmm, sweet dreams," Lauren
yawned as she closed her eyes and let the soothing rhythm of Ashs hand
and the steady beat of her heart lull her to sleep.

******************

Ash woke to the delightful feel
of being totally pinned under Lauren. She inhaled deeply and was rewarded by
the sweet aroma of Laurens hair that rested just under her chin. She slowly
opened her eyes and gazed down at the sleep tousled head. Laurens head
was still nestled under her chin, but Ash became aware of the delicious tingle
coursing through her body caused by Laurens hot breath exhaling across
her left nipple. I better get up before I decide I never want to! She
kissed the top of Laurens head and then slowly began to extricate herself
not wanting to wake her.

She rolled from the bed and stood
to gaze back on the sleeping woman. The morning suns touch made her hair
look like burnished gold. Her face was peaceful in repose and a small grin graced
her lips. Ash reached out and gently pulled the covers up to keep off the morning
chill. Gods, how I love you! I dont know how Im going to stand
being away from you. Her mind paused to analyze that. She didnt want
to be away from Lauren. She needed to be near her. Lauren made her feel calm
and grounded. Something she hadnt felt in so long that she figured she
never would again. Well, I guess Ill just have to help Lu capture Sullivan
quickly so that I can get back here! She bent at the waist and kissed Laurens
forehead before turning and heading towards the bathroom for a shower.

*******************

Lauren woke feeling wonderful.
She reached out a hand and frowned when she found nothing but the pillow. She
opened her eyes slowly to see that Ash was gone. Resting on her pillow was a
single white rose and a folded note with Laurens name inscribed across
it in a bold hand. She picked up the rose and brought it to her nose to inhale
its delicate fragrance as she scooted up to lean against the headboard. She
picked up the note and something fell out of it. She frowned as she picked it
up to see what it was. It was a personal phone card in Ashs name. She
played with it absently as she opened Ashs note and began to read.

My dearest Lauren-

First let me apologize for not
waking you when I left. You were sleeping so peacefully that I just didnt

have the heart to wake you.
Im leaving you my phone card so you can call me without having to
worry about the expense. The pin is 1221. My cell number is 406-396-3279.
Please call me. Id love

to hear your beautiful voice.

Thank you for the best 3
days of my life. Im looking forward to adding many more to my memories.

I hope you dont mind,
but Ive left something in your care. Ill pick it up the next
time I see you.

You are my muse and my heart.

Love-

Ashlin

Lauren lowered the note and wondered
what Ash had left in her care. She glanced around the room and her heart stopped
when it spied Ashs guitar case sitting on the chair next to her neatly
folded clothes. Her eyes welled with tears as she brought her hand to her mouth
in shock. She couldnt believe Ash had left it behind in her care. She
swallowed the wave of overwhelming joy and loneliness that washed over her as
she stared at the guitar case and thought about what its presence portended.

"Shes really coming back,"
Lauren whispered elated. She flopped back on the bed and hugged Ashs note
to her breast letting her mind flow back to memories of last night and the feel
of Ashs warm muscular body against her. She sighed in quiet happiness
and closed her eyes. She drifted back to sleep with the memory of ice blue eyes
alight with passion gazing at her with love.